Accession Number:

AD0753711

Title:

An Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Silicon Carbide and Sapphire Filaments

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept. Jan-Aug 1972

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE MATERIALS LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s):

• Crane, R. L.

Report Date:

1972-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

38.0

Abstract:

The mechanical properties of silicon carbide SiC and sapphire filaments pertinent to the initial design of a metal matrix composite have been documented. The strength contributions of these filaments to a composite were simulated with tensile tests of self-abraded samples. The strength of virgin SiC filament was found to decrease linearly to about 1100 C 2012 F and exponentially above this temperature. The abraded strength was found to be constant, as a function of temperature, to about 1100 C 2112 F. The loss of high temperature strength was correlated with the reaction between SiC and the fibers W core. The strength of single crystal sapphire as a function of temperature was determined for both a-and c-axis filaments. Similar tests were conducted on ruby fiber. Ruby fiber was found to be significantly stronger than pure sapphire and insensitive to abrasion above 500 C 932 F. The strength of ruby fiber as a function of chronic ion content showed that the optimum dopant level has not yet been reached.

Descriptors:

• *SAPPHIRE
• *SILICON CARBIDES
• COMPOSITE MATERIALS
• TENSILE PROPERTIES
• WEAR RESISTANCE
• RUBY
• REINFORCING MATERIALS
• FILAMENTS
• MODULUS OF ELASTICITY

Subject Categories:

• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Textiles

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE